SELF-REPORTED ALCOHOL USE AMONG DUTCH EMERGENCY ROOM PATIENTS: VARIATIONS IN PREVALENCE RATES OWING TO METHODOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES

Aims: This study compared different methods of assessing self-reported alcohol use among emergency room patients in order to explain the variations in reported prevalence rates. Methods: Alcohol use prior to patient's injury or illness was assessed in one hospital by a self-report questionnaire in three different ways: (i) administered by emergency room staff, (ii) administered by research staff, or (iii) sent to the patient's home by post. Results: Results show variations in self-reported alcohol use 6 h prior to the injury or illness ranging from 4.6 to 9.1%; these variations may be explaine... Mehr ...